Bedford Bucs Double Up the CRLS Hawks

Bedford, MA-Cambridge Rindge & Latin headed north to the Bedford Bucs to try to avenge their only loss on the season in a battle of two top DIII programs. The Bucs played a smart, opportunistic game and came away with big a 4-2 win. Sophomore Timothy Mead picked up the win in the net, making some keys stops and helping Bedford move to 11-1-2.

The first period was even and both teams played well in transition. Most of the game took place between the top of the circles. Bedford struck first just 4:09 in when junior Robert Marcus tapped in a pretty pass from classmate Adam Driscoll. Senior James Demeo who was a factor all game started the play and picked up the secondary assist. Bedford controlled play by a slight margin as they got pucks deep and clogged CRLS offensive lanes. Then CRLS got a chance in the power play and evened things up. Thomas McGaffigan fired the puck into an openΒ  net with 3:51 left on a nice pass by his twin brother Andrew. Senior defenseman Anthony Caterina picked up the additional assist. The period ended 1-1.

The second frame saw more of the same and the physical play picked up a bit. ThomasΒ  McGaffigan left the game with a lacerated ear which was a tough break for CRLS. Bedford buried one to take a 2-1 lead as junior defenseman Adam Driscoll carried the puck in and created a scoring chance for Anthony Incerto who out it home and it was 2-1 Bucs after two.

The third started out perfectly for Bedford as Demeo sent Robert Marcus in all alone and he snapped one home to make it 3-1 Bucs just 23 seconds into the third. With 4:09 left, Demeo took off on the rush and rifled the puck post and in as he used the CRLS defenseman as a screen to make it 4-1 Bedford. The game seemed all but over but Bedford was called for a few penalties giving CRLS a chance to get back in the game. The Hawks did get one back with 2:06 left as Niklas Merkel scored unassisted. CRLS has a couple 5v3 chances and 6v4 but without McGaffigan and Caterina (who was thrown out for arguing an offside) they had trouble mounting a dangerous attack. Bedford sophomore goalie Mead made some nice stops to seal the win.

Three Stars

First: James Demeo (Bedford)

Second: Adam Driscoll (Bedford)

Third: Robert Marcus (Bedford)

TTPA: Sam Mortensen (Bedford)

NZ Notes: For Bedford; The Bucs played a solid defensive game. They swarmed pucks carriers and all showed very good defensive sticks. The also blocked a ton of shots. Demeo is strong and has a powerful stride. The senior is average with the puck but most shifts, the biggest and fastest player on the ice. He hit on forecheck and was tough to play against. His goal to mak it 4-1 was nasty and showed real skill. He will study Marin Biology at Aberdeen (see graphic below.) Driscoll can run a power play, he showed the ability to escape forecheckers in his end and make plays from the offensive blue line. The junior can carry the puck and went end to end several times. He has some wiggle and also blocked shots. Marcus also blocked shots and worked in his end. The junior made people miss and went to the net front. Mortenson is big and played a simple game. Hit to defend and was a tough matchup for a small CRLS forward group. Mead made some nice pad saves late to secure the win. For CRLS; it was a tough game. They played from behind all night and then lost their leading scorer Thomas McGaffigan to an injury and then Caterina to a game misconduct. Thomas is smart, his skating is average but his sense and stick are very good. Caterina is really athletic and is elusive with possession. He loved to jump up ice and carry on the rush. He defended well when asked to but he clearly wanted to play up ice more. He is the most talented player on CRLS but and made a mistake getting tossed. He will learn and is a kid but his team needs him on the ice to be successful. His feet are excellent and he has very good speed from a smooth stride.

Bedford runs a top notch program and the game was made enjoyable by the hard work of the athletic department, city and hockey staff. We enjoyed watching their team compete.